Wednesday, February 26, 2025
An American postal network? It was a revolutionary idea
As the nation took shape from 1775-1824, so did the institution that helped unite it
The American postal system was born of revolution.
On July 26, 1775, about three months after the first clash between American Colonists and British soldiers in Massachusetts, Colonial leaders established a postal system and named Benjamin Franklin its leader — the postmaster general.
The leaders knew a postal system would be crucial to the war effort, allowing for rapid communication between Congress and the Continental Army. Messages could be delivered within days, while it took months for the British to communicate with London.
Moreover, the fledgling network of Post Offices helped unite the Colonies through the delivery of letters, newspapers and other mail.
The peace treaty that ended the Revolutionary War in 1783 established the borders of the new United States, with the Mississippi River serving as the country’s western border.
As the nation grew, so did its postal network.
In 1792, President George Washington signed legislation that formalized the network, which was then known as the General Post Office.
The organization played an important role in the nation’s expansion, helping to deliver mail across the Mississippi River and later, to settlers in Florida.
The need to deliver more mail to more places also sparked innovation.
In 1813, Congress authorized Postmaster General Gideon Granger to contract for the carriage of mail through a new method — by steamboat.
It marked a sea change for the organization, but even bigger changes were around the bend.
Coming next: Link’s stories on the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary will continue soon with a look at events from 1825-1874.
Milestones
Appointments, awards and retirements
Here’s a look at recent USPS announcements
• Kelly J. Chaney, Southern Area’s finance and budget manager, retired after 28 years with the Postal Service.
• Kennard B. Everett II was named the Duluth, GA, Processing and Distribution Center’s plant manager. He previously served as network implementation director.
• Brian O. Newman was named the Funkstown, MD, postmaster. He previously served as Hagerstown, MD, customer services supervisor.
• Corey D. Richards was named Florida 1 District manager. He previously served as South Carolina District manager, a position now held by Robert P. Birge Jr., who previously served as the El Paso, TX, postmaster.
• Austin, TX, Postmaster Douglas Watson retired after 32 years with the Postal Service. Kirt J. Forsyth was named the new Austin postmaster; he previously served as the Long Beach, CA, postmaster.
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March 5, 2025
Datebook
‘Cholesterol and You’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar to learn about the causes and effects of high cholesterol and ways to manage the disease.
The session, “Cholesterol and You,” will be held Wednesday, March 5, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from Kaiser Permanente, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
March 5, 2025
Datebook
‘Food Is Fuel’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar that will provide an overview of how healthy food can boost your energy and help you perform at your best.
The session, “Food Is Fuel,” will be held Wednesday, March 5, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.